The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the transfer of the 13-acre Human Services Campus in downtown Phoenix to Human Services Campus, Inc. Human Services Campus, Inc. has implemented a new governance structure, including a large and diverse Board of Directors that oversees the coordination of services at the campus, and includes community and business leaders, nonprofit campus service providers, and
funding agencies.
As it has done for years, the County will continue funding campus shelter services and housing placements.
The County Supervisors spoke to the importance of this transfer and the continued collaborative efforts on behalf of the region’s homeless. “We’re continuing the great work that the County, Human Services Campus, Inc., and our partner agencies have been doing at the campus. This is the natural progression down the path started on more than a decade ago. We’ve seen thousands of people’s lives changed for the better,” said Chairman Denny Barney, District 1.
The Board of Directors welcomed the transfer. Committees are working actively on strategic planning for the future, and transfer of the property was long anticipated.
“A deep, deep thanks for Maricopa County’s support since the very beginning. Without the County’s assemblage of the property many years ago, we wouldn’t be where we are today. The County has always been there to help us,” said Mike McQuaid, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Human Services Campus, Inc. “We have a brand new governance structure, and we are very excited about the future,” he added.
Supervisor Steve Gallardo, District 5, emphasized the County’s continued participation. “The issue of homelessness continues to be on the front burner of not just the County but also municipalities and neighborhoods. We’re helping the Human Services Campus provide more help to more folks. The county will continue to be engaged, as we should be, along with the municipalities.”
Maricopa County will continue finding more permanent housing and shelter solutions throughout the region. Since 2015, the county and a coalition of other governmental and non-profit organizations have found permanent housing for more than 700 people.
“The transfer of the property does not affect the County’s commitment to the great work being done on the Human Services Campus. We recognize that homelessness is a regional issue and the County has an important role to play,” said Supervisor Bill Gates, District 3. “As we move forward, we’ll continue working with our partners in the non-profit sector and other levels of government.”
"The Board's action complements what we've been able to create at the Human Services Campus," added Supervisor Steve Chucri, District 2. "We are carrying on that critical mission and will continue to be committed to addressing homelessness as a regional issue."
The Human Services Campus provides a variety of services to people facing homelessness, including shelter, meals, clothing, employment assistance, medical and dental care. The Campus is expected to assist more than 7,000 individuals this calendar year.
Supervisor Clint Hickman, District 4, urged others to get involved. “We feel that homelessness is not just a County or City of Phoenix issue. It’s a regional issue. This is our way to continue to show support to the people working at the campus to end homelessness. This is an invitation for cities to provide their support for the campus. We welcome your partnership.”